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Statistical Methods for Social Research using SPSS

when
14 August 2017
-
25 August 2017

duration
2 weeks

fee
GBP 1495

Many researchers in the social sciences use SPSS to perform data analysis, but often formal training in use of the software and how to interpret output is severely lacking. This course aims to eliminate the quantitative skills deficit which exists among many social science researchers. Statistical Methods for Social Research using SPSS takes a more applied approach to conventional statistics by focusing on encouraging participants to "get their hands dirty with data". Instead of being purely theory-oriented, emphasis will be more on the practical application of a variety of statistical techniques to supplied datasets.

Topics covered in the course will be wide-ranging, such that participants will be exposed to a variety of statistical methods reflecting the different sorts of data which a researcher may be required to analyse. Assumptions, merits and limitations of methods will be discussed. The course will begin with an overview of the SPSS environment, followed by data visualisation and descriptive statistics. Other topics to be covered include interval estimation and hypothesis testing (for one and two samples), categorical data, correlation and regression, analysis of variance and several multivariate analysis techniques, such as factor analysis.

The course will consist of daily lectures supported by computer-based practical classes which will allow course participants to practise implementing the lecture material hands-on in SPSS. SPSS is a popular choice of statistical software and is ideally suited for empirical research in the social sciences.

Course leader

Dr James Abdey

Target group

This applications-oriented course is designed for researchers who lack the confidence to perform data analysis independently due to:
• a lack of understanding of various statistical methods
• not knowing which techniques are appropriate for different types of data
• inexperience with using statistical software packages (specifically SPSS here)
• not knowing how to interpret output from software packages and what conclusions can be drawn

Course aim

For those undertaking research in the social sciences, an ability to handle data is an essential skill. Many researchers in the social sciences use SPSS to perform data analysis, but often formal training in use of the software and how to interpret output is severely lacking. This course concentrates on transforming participants into competent and confident users of SPSS to enable them to conduct independent data analysis for their own research needs.

After successful completion of the course, participants should be able to:
- perform independent data analysis in the social sciences
- determine which statistical method is appropriate in a given situation and be able to discuss the merits and limitations of a particular method
- use SPSS to analyse datasets and be able to interpret output
- draw appropriate conclusions following empirical analysis.

Credits info

The decision to award credits is at the discretion of the student's home institution. Students should always check with their home institution to confirm the number of credits that can be awarded.

Fee info

GBP 1495: Student rate - available to current university (including PhD) students.
Academic staff and staff of UK charities are eligible for a reduced rate of £2,230. GBP 2800: Standard rate

Scholarships

Previous students of LSE may be eligible for a 15% discount on their tuition fees.